University Recreation to Expand Its Operations Aug. 17

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University Recreation is excited to expand its operations and programming on Monday, Aug. 17. UREC continues to take extra precautions to help keep its members and staff healthy and safe. This includes extensive cleaning protocols, enhanced operating procedures, and social distancing practices within our facilities. Returning members can enjoy the facilities largely the same but will notice some changes in UREC's operations and protocols.

This Phase 2 plan will include:

• Donna Axum Fitness Center co-located in Gym 1 (HPER, 2nd  floor)
• UREC Outdoors climbing wall (HPER, Gym 1)
• UREC Outdoors bike shop (HPER 102)
• UREC Outdoors equipment rental (HPER 102)
• UREC pool (HPER, 2nd  floor)
• Gyms 2 & 3 for  limited  drop-in recreational activities (HPER, 3rd  floor)
• Group fitness classes  (in-person and virtual)
• Sports Injury Clinic (in-person and telemedicine appointments)
• UREC Fitness Center (Arkansas Union, 2nd  floor)

To create an easy member experience, UREC is offering reservations for the fitness centers, pool, group fitness, and climbing wall. These reservations may be made up to seven days in advance and begin on the hour for a 50-minute time slot.  Reservations are strongly encouraged to guarantee a spot in these spaces that have reduced capacity limits. UARK students and UREC members can start making reservations on Monday, Aug. 10, for the week of Aug. 17. Members are encouraged to download the UREC app (available on Android and iPhone) by searching urecarkansas for a touchless check-in experience.

Members are also encouraged to bring their own water bottle, sweat towel, member identification and face covering, which is required to be worn in UREC facilities at all times, except when actively exercising.

UREC has been able to move to its phase 2 operations, in part, because member adherence to the new COVID protocols has been strong.

"I've been using the HPER facility again for a few weeks, and I am so impressed with the work  that has been done to organize the space, direct the members, and keep us all safe," said LewEllyn  Hallet, assistant director for program in rhetoric and composition. "The staff is diligent in the cleaning protocol, which is extensive, and the signage is so clear that it's easy to comply even on the first visit."

A UREC COVID-19 Response and Plan website has been created to inform UREC members of the latest information pertaining to hours of operation, member and staff expectations, how to make reservations, and fall programming.

Phase 2 Hours of Operation

HPER Building*

• Monday to Friday: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.  
• Saturday: 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.  
• Sunday: 1-10 p.m.  
• *The Donna Axum Fitness Center will close every Monday-Friday from 2-3 p.m. for cleaning.

UREC Pool

• Monday to Friday: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. 
• Saturday: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. 
• Sunday: 2-7 p.m. 

UREC Fitness Center (Arkansas Union, 2nd floor)* 

• Monday to Friday: 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• *The UREC Fitness Center will close daily from 1-2 p.m. for cleaning. 

Please visit the UREC COVID-19 Response and Plan website for more information. For questions, email urec@uark.edu.